In paragraph 3, Mr. Auld says that if you give a slave "an inch, he will take an ell." What does he mean by this statement?

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Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

In paragraph 3, Mr. Auld says that if you give a slave "an inch, he will take an ell." What does he mean by this statement?

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Asked by Alice R #1331053 on 12/13/2023 5:38 PM

Last updated by jill d #170087 on 12/13/2023 9:23 PM

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Answered by jill d #170087 on 12/13/2023 9:23 PM

In context, he is saying that if you make a concession, you will be taken advantage of. This saying or quote first appeared in 1546 in a collection by John Heywood,

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